SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Students at Bessie Carmichael School in the South of Market district in San Francisco are considered at-risk, and they’re benefiting from a program called Reviving Baseball Inner Cities, or R.B.I.

Jim Messemer, executive director and founder of San Francisco R.B.I., said 35% of Bessie Carmichael’s kids are homeless and three-quarters of them qualify for federal free lunch programs.

“But I’ve got to tell you something, these are the most beautiful children and they just need opportunity,” he said.

KCBS’ Margie Shafer:

“And we’re going to provide the opportunity where they don’t have the resources. We’re going to fill the divot and bring in great resources and bring in great programs.”

Year-round programs will focus on baseball and softball skills, literacy, the arts, health and nutrition.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee told the children he was moved by their experiences.

“You inspire me,” he said. “And you inspire me to be an even better mayor for you.”

Pacific Gas and Electric, a founding sponsor of the program, contributed $250,000 to support the organization’s mission.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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